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WW II fighter ace from Massachusetts dies

James Goodson was 93

Updated: 6:47 PM EDT May 1, 2014

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AP Photo/Goodson Family photo

This World War II era photo provided by the Goodson family shows James Goodson, a decorated World War II fighter pilot and former prisoner of war. Goodson, who fought the Nazis before the U.S. entered the war, flying Hawker Hurricanes and Supermarine Spitfires as a member of one of the Royal Air Force's Eagle Squadrons made up of American volunteers, died Thursday, May 1, 2014. He was 93.

SOURCE: AP Photo/Goodson Family photo

WW II fighter ace from Massachusetts dies

James Goodson was 93

Updated: 6:47 PM EDT May 1, 2014

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BOSTON —

James Goodson, a decorated World War II fighter pilot and prisoner of war who went on to a successful post-war business career, died Thursday at a Boston-area hospital, his son said. He was 93.

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Goodson, a New York City native who had retired to Duxbury, died at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth after a bout with pneumonia, James Goodson Jr. said.

"He was very generous, he was charming, and he loved everyone he met," his son said.

And he was never shy about sharing stories of his war exploits, even writing several books.

"We always used to say, 'Dad, we know what you did in the war, but what did everyone else do?'" his son said with a laugh.

Maj. Goodson was credited with destroying 30 enemy aircraft and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross, a Silver Star, three Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and other medals, his son said.

Goodson, who was 18 in 1939 when he was rescued after a German U-Boat sank the unarmed British passenger ship SS Athenia off the coast of Ireland, started fighting the Nazis even before the U.S. entered the war, flying Hawker Hurricanes and Supermarine Spitfires as a member of one of the Royal Air Force's Eagle Squadrons, made up of American volunteers.

He later joined the United States Army Air Force and flew P-47 Thunderbolts and P-51 Mustangs, rising to commanding officer of 336 squadron, 4th Fighter Group, and escorting Allied bombers in bombing runs all the way to Berlin.

Goodson was shot down and captured in June 1944 but eventually escaped and made his way the U.S. Third Army lines.

After the war, he was an executive for Goodyear Tire's European operations and spent time at Hoover headquarters in Switzerland, before joining International Telephone and Telegraph, rising to the position of president of consumer products and corporate vice president.

His wife, Gwen, died last month. In addition to his son, he is survived by his daughter-in-law and three grandchildren.

Goodson will be buried at the national veterans' cemetery in Bourne. Arrangements are pending.